DOCTORS NEED TO WORK ON THEIR OWN BEHAVIOUR, ATTITUDE

The “abusive patients” story seems to recur with alarming frequency on P.E.I. Perhaps government needs to commission an unbiased report, based on solid empirical evidence, to address the issue. Perhaps, heaven forbid, there are abusive doctors on P.E.I. as well.

It is curious that before moving to P.E.I. I had never read any news stories suggesting an entire small town had suddenly transformed themselves into a mob of maniacs whose one goal in life was to frighten their new, less-than-pleasant-doctor. My own experience at the time with a number of people who call themselves medical professionals at one clinic was, shall we say, less than stellar.

I have a great deal of respect for good doctors and good medical support staff. I experienced warm, caring, and consummately professional behaviour in cardiology at the QEH on a number occasions. I also experienced consummately unprofessional behavior in the emergency department on one occasion, and went home feeling more sick than when I arrived.

Dr. (Trevor) Jain and his colleagues should not have to endure abuse. But it may be that he and his colleagues who experience problems on a consistent basis need to modulate their own behavior — it takes two to tango. To use police language and suggest that time and effort be put into publicizing a “zero tolerance” policy with regard to sick, injured, and dying patient’s behaviour (patients under extreme stress), reveals an insensitive attitude that likely contributes to the problem.

If you want to use police programs in a hospital emergency room, perhaps “de-escalation” and “community immersion” and “a more transactional model that involves active listening” might be more appropriate.

Colm Magner, Victoria, P.E.I.